Specsavers Canada has entered a multi-year national partnership with the Toronto Blue Jays, becoming an official partner of Canada’s baseball team. The agreement supports Specsavers’ mission to expand access to high-quality eyewear and eyecare nationwide. Since launching in Canada in 2021, the retailer has grown to more than 270 locations across nine provinces and one territory, including over 130 new stores opened in 2025. As part of the partnership, Specsavers will serve as presenting sponsor of the Blue Jays’ Strike Zone Challenge, tied to Major League Baseball’s new Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System. The initiative will provide significant visibility through in-stadium activations and Sportsnet broadcasts, while reinforcing Specsavers’ commitment to helping Canadians protect and improve their vision through accessible eyecare, advanced OCT technology and quality eyewear. (Specsavers Canada – www.specsavers.ca)……….
To celebrate its 75th anniversary, the St-Hubert rotisserie restaurant chain has partnered with the Mondou pet food and supplies company to launch the limited-edition Croquetterie St-Hubert dog treat. Developed with the creative LG2 agency, the 100 g treat is inspired by St-Hubert’s signature BBQ chicken flavour. The collaboration reflects both companies’ connections to Quebec families, local brands and entrepreneurial heritage. St-Hubert President Richard Scofield said the product offers a fun way to delight customers and their pets, while Groupe Legault CEO Sophie Provencher described it as a playful gift for shared customers. Available beginning June 22, the Croquetterie St-Hubert will be sold while supplies last at St-Hubert restaurants in Quebec, New Brunswick and Ontario, as well as at more than 100 Mondou stores across Quebec. (Les Rôtisseries St-Hubert Ltée – www.st-hubert.com) & (Le Groupe Legault – www.legaultgroup.com)…………
Scott Lewis has been appointed General Manager, Canada for Papa Johns Canada. He brings almost three decades of restaurant experience in the quick service and food service industry. In this new role, he will support the growing network of more than 230 locally owned and operated restaurants across nine provinces, helping to drive operational excellence, franchisee profitability, brand consistency, marketing effectiveness, and long-term growth across the Canadian business. (Papa Johns Canada – www.papajohns.ca)………
Last week, Montreal-based fashion house Groupe Dynamite Inc opened its first Garage store in Hawaii. The fashion store is on the third level of Ala Moana Center in Honolulu. Kathleen McGuigan at Oberfeld Snowcap handles the real estate for Groupe Dynamite in Canada and the U.S. (Group Dynamite Inc – www.dynamiteclothing.com)…….
Farm Boy, the Sobeys-owned fresh-market specialist opened its 53rd store last week at the new Shoppes of Dun Skipper in Ottawa’s Findlay Creek neighbourhood. Part of the chain’s ‘new build’ program, the 32,700 square foot anchor store is the chain’s second opening this year and first new-build location. The new store features farm fresh produce, including local and organic options, everyday essentials and Farm Boy private label products at value pricing. There is a wide selection of butcher-quality Canadian beef, pork, and chicken and select international offerings, convenient foods and everyday non-food essentials, including pet food, baby and paper products. The store includes a Hot Bar, Chef’s Market Soup Bar, and Salad Bar selections, offering a wide variety of quality grab-and-go meal options. (Farm Boy – www.farmboy.ca) …………
North American airport retailer Paradies Lagardère has introduced two new retail concepts, Muskoka Supply Co. and Greetings from Toronto, at Toronto Pearson Airport, marking the first phase of a broader effort to enhance the airport’s shopping experience, reports Global Travel Retail Magazine. The stores highlight Canadian identity by featuring products from over 30 local makers, emphasizing regional culture and craftsmanship. The initiative is part of a long-term partnership aimed at delivering locally inspired, meaningful retail options for travelers while elevating the overall airport experience. (Paradies Lagardere – www.paradieslagardere.com).……
Late last week, Statistics Canada reported that retail sales in Canada were up 0.5 percent to $73-billion(Cdn) in April. Led by gasoline and fuel sales. Retail e-commerce sales were down 1.2 percent to $5.1-billion in April. Sales at food and beverage retailer was down by two percent and general merchandise retailers were down by 1.7 percent. Based on Statistics Canada and various bank reports, Canadian retail sales are expected to show modest growth with possibly a one percent increase in May. While higher prices have driven most of the increases, the limited growth suggests that the consumer continues to spend cautiously. On a more positive note, the alarmist and the ‘sky-is-falling’ reports have been relatively silent of late. This might suggest a moderate second half so get out there and do that next deal.
Oh and a quick correction……In the report on Shindico Realty’s opportunity on Main St in Selkirk in Manitoba in our last issue, the average annual household income in Selkirk is over $120,000, not $12,000 as was published. The computer gremlins hid one of the zeros……
Have a great week…………